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GENEWS ONLINE is the online edition of the official publication of The UPLB Genetics Society. The UPLB Genetics Society, also known as GeneSoc, is a duly recognized academic organization at UP Los Banos. The organization strives to promote and create awareness about the science of Genetics in the Philippines.

Dr. Glenn Gregorio: The Dream of a Rice Breeder

LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA - "Breeders are like painters". As he opened his talk, Dr. Glenn Gregorio mentioned a notion that he shares with his mentors: plant breeding is both art and science. Noting that "a little" arithmetic and "a lot" of imagination are needed in the interdisciplinary field, Dr. Gregorio emphasized that breeders should be dreamers.

Last February 12, 2015, Dr. Glenn Gregorio delivered his exit seminar entitled, "The Dream of a Rice Breeder"at the Havener Auditorium of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Dr. Gregorio served as Senior Scientist II, Plant Breeder, and Deputy Head of the Plant Breeding and Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology (PBGB) Division at IRRI.

Dr. Gregorio specializes in rice breeding and genetics of salinity and problem soils tolerance. Through the years, he have led in the development and release of a number of rice varieties for saline, cold, and micronutrient-dense areas for Asia and Africa. Last year, he and his work was featured in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation website, Impatient Optimist. (Q&A with Dr. Glenn Gregorio: The Magic of Salt-Tolerant Rice)

Rising from the ranks. Dr. Gregorio showing a montage of his
IRRI ID Pictures (Screen Capture)

Through his dedication and hard work, Dr. Gregorio rose from the ranks after joining IRRI in 1986 as a research aide. He eventually completed his graduate studies at UP Los Banos (MS Plant Breeding in 1991 and PhD Genetics in 1997) with scholarship grants from IRRI and DOST.

A proud alumnus of The UPLB Genetics Society, Dr. Gregorio, then a BS Agriculture (Agronomy) student, joined the organization during its formative years by becoming a member of the society's third batch, Batch Recombinants.

Last December 2013, "Doc Glenn" was recognized as the organization's Most Distinguished Alumnus during GeneSoc'sGrand Alumni Homecoming in celebration of the society's 30th Founding Anniversary.

The DNA Backbone

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About The UPLB Genetics Society

The UPLB Genetics Society, also known as GeneSoc, is a duly recognized academic organization in UPLB that was established in 1983. Through the years, the organization strives to promote and create awareness about the science of Genetics in the Philippines.